Lessons on personal safety in elementary, high school

CEBU, Philippines – Saying that children are at “constant risk” while in school, the Department of Education has mandated to integrate Personal Safety Lessons in elementary and secondary schools.

The initiative aims to create a friendly environment in schools to counter the risks encountered by elementary and high school students brought about by “threats of a cruel and violent environment due to their tender age and weak physical attributes.”

DepEd Order No. 45, Series of 2009 says, “it is incumbent upon the education department to provide the children with special protection and ensure that they will grow up as healthy individuals to give them chance to eventually become productive citizens that can contribute to the country’s development.”

“The PSL shall serve as the guiding principles for children’s personal safety and protective behavior. They also enhance their social skills, self-esteem and the vital knowledge of their rights as provided in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC),” the order further reads.

PSL will be integrated into the Sibika at Kultura/Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika (SK/HEKASI) subjects in the elementary level and Araling Panlipunan in the secondary level.

It will also be included in the Character Education and Values Education whenever possible and that lessons are made in the context of the Filipino culture.

All teachers handling the subjects are required to attend PSL training before they could start teaching.

DepEd said the mandate complements Republic Act 7610 or the Act “providing stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.”

Guidelines on the institutionalization of PSL have already been provided to the schools.

“The PSL is a program bounded by the noble principle of child protection to build a safe and just world for all children. Henceforth, a multidisciplinary team that consists of representatives from different concerned agencies shall be organized to support the schools in the course of PSL implementation,” DepEd said.

Several agencies have also been mandated to assist the schools, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police and Department of Justice, as well as the local government units.

Meanwhile, aside from the integration of PSL, DepEd is also intensifying the implementation of the Essential Health Care Program among public school children to improve their academic performance and reduce drop-out rate.

EHCP is a simple, cost-effective school-based health program of DepEd in partnership with the LGUs, the private sector, and other community stakeholders.

Over 600,000 children in public elementary schools and daycare centers nationwide have benefited from the program wherein each child gets a kit that has a toothbrush, soap, deworming tablets, and toothpaste.

EHCP aims to improve the performance of school children amidst the Influenza A pandemic. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)